Overview
ISO 24495-3:2026, Plain language - Part 3: Science writing, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), establishes guidelines and principles for plain language in science writing. Building on the foundational principles set out in ISO 24495-1, this standard is designed to make science writing clear, accessible, and actionable for diverse audiences, including students, professionals, and decision-makers across industries and government. Unlike scientific writing targeted at experts within specialized fields, this document focuses on crafting scientific content that is approachable for those with varying education levels, backgrounds, and interests.
The standard applies to both print and digital communications comprised primarily of text and images and is relevant across most written languages.
Key Topics
ISO 24495-3:2026 is structured around four governing principles rooted in the broader ISO 24495 series:
- Relevance: Ensure readers get what they need by understanding their background, expectations, and context.
- Findability: Organize content so readers can quickly locate desired information using structure, headings, and navigation aids.
- Understandability: Use clear, familiar language, concise sentences and paragraphs, and effective use of images and tables to support comprehension.
- Usability: Present information so it is actionable and practical, allowing readers to confidently use the scientific content provided.
Key guidelines include:
- Characterizing target audiences and adapting language and structure appropriately
- Planning content purposefully to maximize impact and remove unnecessary complexity
- Following ethical standards, such as presenting data impartially and disclosing limitations or potential conflicts of interest
- Structuring content with logical flows, visual cues, and navigational elements to enhance usability and accessibility
- Using images and tables effectively to clarify data and support diverse reader needs
- Ensuring accessibility across formats and compliance with relevant digital standards
Applications
ISO 24495-3:2026 offers practical value for any organization or individual engaged in science communication. Typical applications include:
- Public information: Fact sheets, pamphlets, and science communication for the general population, ensuring clarity and transparency.
- Healthcare communications: Patient information leaflets, clinical trial summaries, and health education resources tailored for wide audiences.
- Corporate and government reports: Briefings for policymakers, executives, or regulatory bodies that need accurate scientific information free from jargon.
- Educational materials: Science curricula or outreach content for schools, supporting students and educators with clear explanations.
- Media and digital content: Blogs, websites, social media, and multimedia platforms aiming to explain complex scientific topics to broad audiences.
By adopting this standard, authors, technical writers, and organizations can improve the reach and impact of their science writing, increase scientific literacy among non-experts, and foster greater public engagement with scientific issues.
Related Standards
For comprehensive implementation, ISO 24495-3:2026 aligns closely with other plain language and accessibility standards:
- ISO 24495-1: Plain language - Part 1: Governing principles and guidelines, the foundational document for all plain language applications.
- ISO/IEC 40500 (W3C WCAG 2.0): International guidelines for web content accessibility, ensuring digital materials are usable for all readers.
- Other ISO 24495 series parts: Covering additional sector-specific guidance for plain language use.
Implementing ISO 24495-3:2026 ensures science writing is clear, credible, and accessible, empowering diverse audiences to understand and benefit from scientific information.